Amish Apple Cake

 Amish Apple Cake is a classic fall dessert known for its moist crumb, abundance of fresh apples, and warm spices. It's a simple cake that celebrates seasonal flavors and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Here's what you can expect with Amish Apple Cake:

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:

  • 2-2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cake. The exact amount might vary depending on the juiciness of your apples.
  • 1-1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder: Leavening agent for a fluffy rise.
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda (Optional): Additional leavening for a lighter texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple desserts, adding warmth and depth of flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon Nutmeg (Optional): Another classic spice that complements apples and cinnamon.

• Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) Softened Butter: Adds moisture, richness, and contributes to a tender crumb.
  • ¾ cup to 1 cup Sugar: Sweetens the cake. Granulated sugar or brown sugar can be used, with brown sugar adding a deeper molasses flavor.
  • 2 large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute structure.
  • ½ cup Milk or Buttermilk: Adds moisture and richness. Buttermilk can add a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the cake and apples.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional): A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Filling:

  • 3-4 cups Chopped Apples: The star of the show! Use baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for their tartness that balances the cake's sweetness. You can peel the apples or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
  • ¼ cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional): Adds a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor.

Optional Additions:

• ¼ cup Apple Cider or Orange Juice: Substituted for a portion of the milk for a more pronounced apple or citrus flavor, respectively.
• ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour for Coating Apples (Optional): Coating the apples in a light dusting of flour can help prevent them from sinking too much in the batter.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda (if using), salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk (or buttermilk) to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract (if using).

6. Prepare the Apples: Peel and chop the apples (or leave the skin on if desired). You can toss the apples with a light dusting of flour to prevent them from sinking too much in the batter (optional).

7. Folding in Apples and Nuts: Fold the chopped apples and nuts (if using) into the batter gently. Don't overmix.

8. Pouring Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

9. Baking: Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.

10. Cooling and Serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Amish Apple Cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and a smooth batter.
• Don't overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• The baking time may vary depending on the juiciness of your apples. Keep an eye on the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Amish Apple Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or wrapped and frozen for longer storage.

Amish Apple Cake is a delicious and comforting dessert perfect for enjoying the flavors of fall. With its simple ingredients and